Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe

Last week we presented the final years of 241 Lake Shore, a magnificent estate built in 1913 for Mrs. Henry Stephens. Beginning in the late 1940’s it became known as the “Kanzler Mansion”. It was then sold several times before coming to a pivotal moment in its history in 1987, followed by its demolition in 1988.

This week I am celebrating 10 years of the Historical Architecture of Grosse Pointe blog. With nearly 500 posts, posted most weeks since July 2014, it has been an absolute pleasure to share the superb history of this special community.

Since the beginning of the 20^th century Grosse Pointe has become the location of some of the finest homes that have been built in the United States. The early mansions that were created on Lake Shore were unsurpassed in terms of architectural significance. While many of these grand residences have been lost, I have been able to piece together their history so a new generation can appreciate the momentous part these pre 1930 residences had to play in shaping the architectural scene, not just in Michigan but across the United States.

However, it’s not just about the grand estates, over the years I have researched, presented, and shared the stories of – many fine homes; the careers of some of the most talented architects who have worked in Metro Detroit; the work of lesser-known designers; landscape architects; the story of streets and establishments; architectural trends; community spaces; municipal buildings; and prominent families who chose to make Grosse Pointe their home.

I have also travelled through several significant periods. Beginning when Grosse Pointe was a farming district filled with ribbon farms, to a period of monumental architectural transformation during the 1920’s, through to the emergence of mid-century modern homes, and finally to being recognized as an area of prime real estate with a reputation as a notable American suburb.

Research & Connections

Much of our research is obtained from a wide variety of sources – HMA’s collection of historic files that cover at least 90% of the homes in Grosse Pointe; books; past publications (magazines, journals and papers); newspaper archives; local sources; and of course, the internet. It can take hours and sometimes days to collate the information.

Aside from the writing, researching, and sharing my findings I have derived huge satisfaction from the assistance I have been able to provide to many people – uncovering the history and sharing photos of childhood homes, solving numerous mysteries, presenting information that people have spent years searching for, helping families looking for specific information, along with making unexpected finds and discoveries.

The blog has also given us the opportunity to talk with a huge number of people who have contacted us, not just local residents, but people from all over the United States – past residents of Grosse Pointe who have moved further afield and people who have never visited the community.

The work has also led to countless opportunities that have included – many fun conversations, writing my first book, creating a “then and now” series of photographs, plus becoming a guest speaker in the Higbie Maxon Agney lecture series in conjunction with the Grosse Pointe Public Library. Over the past two years there have been eight lectures that focus on the architecture and history of Grosse Pointe.

I remain committed to sharing, researching, and preserving the history of this much-loved community. It has been a joy to share these weekly posts over the past ten years, and I am looking forward to posting many more.

*Photos courtesy of the Higbie Maxon Agney archives unless stated.

** Research, information, and data sources are deemed reliable, but accuracy cannot be fully guaranteed.

Written by Katie Doelle

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